If a relaxed vacation on the shore is what you’re looking for, Pompano Beach is ready to answer your call. Pompano sits comfortably along Florida’s Gold Coast between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, offering a relaxed vibe with plenty of action for those who want it.
The city of Pompano Beach stretches along a 3-mile shoreline, anchored by the iconic Fisher Family Pier and surrounded by waters that have earned it the title of wreck capital of Florida. Whether you’re traveling with kids, seeking outdoor adventure with a partner, or exploring solo, Pompano Beach offers everything from free beach days to bucket-list diving experiences.
Ready to explore? Book your stay at Pompano Beach, then dive into these top things to do in Pompano Beach.
1. Soak Up the Sun at Pompano Beach & Fisher Family Pier
Photo Credit: SoFlo Shots
Start your trip at the main beach area where wide, clean sand meets the warm Atlantic Ocean. Lifeguard stands are positioned at regular intervals, and year-round swimming in waters averaging 75°F to 85°F makes this a popular spot for all ages.
The Pompano Beach Pier, officially the Fisher Family Pier, opened in December 2020 after a huge renovation project. Extending 900 feet into the ocean, it’s the visual centerpiece of the shoreline.
Families will love what the beachfront promenade has to offer: shaded playgrounds, an interactive splash pad, an outdoor fitness zone, and sand volleyball courts. The city provides adaptive Mobi-Mats and loaner beach wheelchairs for visitors with mobility challenges. Rent chairs, umbrellas, or cabanas from licensed vendors for a comfortable full-day setup.
2. Dive, Snorkel & Explore “Wreck Capital of Florida”
Pompano earned its nickname through an intentional reef program that has created over 100 artificial reefs, including 18 shipwrecks within a 5-mile radius offshore. Shipwreck Park features diver favorites like the 324-foot M/V Lady Luck, scuttled in 2016 and adorned with over 100 underwater sculptures.
Certified divers can book 2-tank boat dives from local operators departing mornings from marinas along the Intracoastal. Expect visibility of 50-80 feet in summer.
Snorkelers can explore the small Wahoo Bay, a 10-acre nearshore conservation area with calm waters and marine life, including angelfish, parrotfish, sea turtles, and southern stingrays.
3. Hit the Waves Via Water Sports, Boating & Waterfront Tours
The calm Intracoastal Waterway and open sea create ideal conditions for watersports ranging from adrenaline-pumping to laid-back. Rent jet skis for $100-150 per hour, try parasailing at 500 feet, or take kiteboarding lessons leveraging the area’s consistent 15-25 knot winds from November to April. Paddleboarding and kayaking rentals run $25- $ 40 per hour.
Want to explore the waterside in a more relaxed way? The Pompano Beach Water Taxi operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with 12 stops along 7 miles of waterway, perfect for car-free bar and restaurant hopping. Small-group boat tours offer sandbar parties, sunset cruises, and sightseeing trips along the waterfront, past waterfront mansions and the Hillsboro Inlet.
4. Cast a Line: Fishing from Pier to Deep Sea
Year-round sportfishing thrives here thanks to Pompano’s position in the Gulf Stream. Anglers can fish from the pier for pompano, lane snapper, Spanish mackerel, and snook. The pier’s bait shop sells gear rentals and 3-day non-resident licenses for $17.
Deep-sea fishing charters from Pompano Inlet target sailfish during winter months, mahi-mahi in spring and summer, and grouper year-round. Half-day trips run $600-800 for four people. Family-friendly shared head boats accommodate up to 30 people at $100-150 per person. For the best fishing experience, plan early-morning departures to avoid afternoon winds, and reserve well ahead during holiday weeks when boats fill to 90% capacity.
5. Climb the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse to Catch Some Coastal Views
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov
The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse stands about 142 feet tall with a 920,000-candlepower light visible 28 nautical miles offshore, making it one of Florida’s brightest. In service since 1907, the lighthouse sits within a restricted Coast Guard compound.
Public tours through the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society typically run on the first Saturday of each month and on quarterly full-moon dates. Tours include a boat shuttle across the inlet, a history lecture, and a climb of 175 steps for panoramic views. If you want even more information about the area, the nearby Hillsboro Lighthouse Museum at Roy L. Rogers Family Park displays Fresnel lenses and shipwreck artifacts.
6. Taste the Best of Pompano’s Beachfront Dining, Breweries & Nightlife
Pompano’s dining scene clusters around the Fisher Family Pier. Oceanic serves upscale coastal fare with seared scallops and wagyu steaks in the $30-60 range. Beach House Pompano spans two levels with rooftop sunset views and seafood towers. Pier 6 Rooftop rises six stories for skyline panoramas and craft cocktails.
Inland, Dimitri’s Farmer’s Market Restaurant serves hearty American-Greek fusion for lunch crowds. For craft beer, 26° Brewing Company pours 24 house beers with rotating food trucks and live music on Fridays.
7. Swap Sand for Local Arts and Culture
Pompano’s arts scene has grown around its Old Town district. The Pompano Beach Amphitheater hosts 50+ events yearly, including national touring acts and festivals. Bailey Contemporary Arts rotates monthly exhibits from 100+ South Florida artists and hosts workshops and art walks. Ali Cultural Arts Center showcases African-American heritage through plays, jazz series, and exhibits.
8. Hit the Greens for an Afternoon of Golf
Pompano Beach Golf Club offers two municipal courses at affordable rates. The Pines Course features a renovated championship layout at 7,165 yards with TifEagle greens. The Palms Course plays more forgiving at 6,700 yards with wider fairways. Expect peak rates of under $100, including cart, making these a value compared to private clubs in nearby Palm Beach or Boca Raton.
9. Enjoy a Round or Two of Pickleball & Other Family-Friendly Activities
Pompano Beach Community Park serves as the central green space with 12 lighted pickleball courts, tennis courts, an aquatics center with an Olympic-sized pool, walking paths, and playgrounds with shaded splash zones.
North Pompano Park adds synthetic turf fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, and 1.5-mile trails through pines. Both parks offer relaxing breaks from the surf and shore for families of all ages.
10. Cruise Along Pompano’s Beachfront on Bicycles
A 3-mile paved path runs parallel to the beach, perfect for morning rides before the sun heats up. Extend your route via low-traffic streets toward Intracoastal views. You can expect to rent hybrids and e-bikes at around $10 per hour or $35 for a full day, including helmets and locks.
If you want a change of scenery from the shore, head inland to the Airpark. There, you’ll find the paved Pompano Airport Trail, a 4.5-mile loop that’s perfect for a morning bike ride or jog.
11. Pick Up Some Fresh Veggies at Green Market Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach Green Market runs November through April on select Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. Browse 80+ vendors selling local produce, tropical fruits, baked goods, flowers, coffee, and handmade crafts.
Extras include free lawn yoga, live acoustic music, and kids’ craft stations. Combine a morning at the market with a walk to the beach or nearby cafes for picnic supplies and edible souvenirs.
12. Spend a Rainy Day in a Museum
When afternoon storms roll in, visit the Sample-McDougald House Museum, a restored 1906 farmhouse with guided tours on pioneer life and citrus farming history. The Blanche Ely House Museum focuses on civil rights history and local education legacy. The Jellyfish Museum near the pier will feature 20+ glowing tanks with 50 species and interactive marine education displays.
13. Take the Kids Out For Some Fun Indoors
For indoor family fun, Pompano Beach offers several popular venues, including The Tree House Indoor Playground, known for its large indoor playground, cafe, and wide selection of arcade games. Movie lovers can enjoy the latest releases at the AMC Pompano Beach, featuring comfortable seating and advanced sound systems.
These standbys help parents navigate the 50% chance of rain during the summer months, ensuring your family’s fun doesn’t have to pause when the weather has its own plans.
14. Immerse Yourself in Butterfly World
Butterfly World in Coconut Creek sits about 20 minutes inland and houses 20,000 butterflies across three walkthrough aviaries. The lush, vibrant environment creates a serene and magical atmosphere where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of fluttering wings and colorful blooms.
Walking through the aviaries, guests often find moments of peaceful connection with nature, surrounded by the gentle hum of life and the soft flutter of butterfly wings.
Beyond the butterflies, the gardens offer a tranquil escape filled with exotic plants and flowers, winding paths, and serene water features.
The lorikeet feeding stations add an interactive element, allowing visitors to hand-feed these friendly, brightly colored birds, enhancing the joyful and lively ambiance.
15. Take a Day Trip from Pompano
Photo Credit: Solarisys
Pompano makes an excellent base for exploring greater South Florida. Just a short 10-15 minute drive away, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers a charming, walkable village filled with unique shops, cozy cafes, and another picturesque pier. Snorkelers and divers will appreciate the vibrant reef just offshore, providing a wonderful opportunity to explore marine life in crystal-clear waters.
For those seeking a blend of culture and urban excitement, Ft Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard is a must-visit destination. Here, you can stroll through art galleries, indulge in boutique shopping, and enjoy scenic boat tours along the historic New River.
For full-day excursions, the bustling city of Miami and the upscale charm of Palm Beach are both within easy reach by car or Tri-Rail, each about an hour away. Miami’s Wynwood district is famous for its colorful street art, trendy eateries, and lively nightlife, making it a hotspot for creative energy and entertainment.
Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue offers high-end shopping, elegant dining, and beautiful oceanfront views, perfect for a more relaxed and luxurious day trip.
16. Strike Out Into the Everglades
Trade the beach for something wilder and head inland to the Everglades, where sawgrass marshes stretch for miles, and the wildlife feels a lot closer than you expect. Airboat tours are the main draw—fast, loud, and the easiest way to cover ground while spotting alligators, birds, and turtles along the way.
If you want something quieter, look for guided kayak or canoe trips that take you deeper into the waterways at a slower pace. Most access points are within an hour of Pompano Beach, making this an easy half-day or full-day trip when you’re ready to swap saltwater for freshwater and see a completely different side of South Florida.
Don’t Miss Out on Your Next Trip to Pompano Beach
With all that it has to offer, Pompano Beach is sure to appeal to visitors of all ages and styles. This city continues to grow with new local attractions, entertainment, and nightlife, giving you reasons to return and explore year after year. Mix iconic experiences like a pier stroll and beach day with unique adventures like wreck diving or a morning at the Green Market to create a well-rounded Pompano itinerary.
Come find out for yourself: book your stay in Pompano Beach and start planning your next coastal Floridian getaway.
